Podcast
Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley
Hosted by Joe Kelley | Musicians Reveal Podcast · EN
Since 1982, Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley has spotlighted iconic and rising artists in funk, soul, R&B, and Prince’s musical family.
From its roots on NPR affiliate WVOF 88.5 FM to its thriving YouTube channel (17.2k subscribers, 8.1 Million views), the show delivers soulful, in-depth interviews with legends and unsung pioneers alike.
🎤 Hosted by Veteran music host and interviewer Joe Kelley, the show has featured:
Rock & Roll Hall of Famers & Grammy winners
Larry Graham, Mavis Staples, Patrice Rushen, Victor Wooten, Cyndi Lauper
Members of Prince’s Revolution, New Power Generation, The Time, and more
Icons from Zapp, Cameo, P-Funk, and beyond
🎶 In 2004, Prince featured Musicians Reveal on his NPG Music Club and invited Joe to premiere his One Nite Alone… box set in 2002—before any other media outlet.
New interviews weekly.
🎧 Listen and Watch now and explore music history with the artists who shaped it.
🎧 More from Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley:
YouTube (Full Interviews + Daily Content): https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal
🎶 NEW! Musicians Reveal Radio on Live365 (24/7 Artist Music & Archives): https://live365.com/station/Musicians-Reveal-Radio-a25049
Website (Episodes, Guest Info, and Contact): https://musiciansreveal.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZtdU2cZB6EeleSZ8J
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/musicians-reveal/id1545165178
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Prince Drummer John Blackwell Remembering Daughter Jia (2004 Radio Archive)
2d ago00:58:34Tap to summarizeIn this rare 2004 archive interview, legendary drummer John Blackwell discusses the loss of his daughter Jia, the creation of the Jia Kennie Blackwell Memorial Scholarship, and the support he received from Prince, Larry Graham, family and friends during one of the most difficult periods of his life.Blackwell also reflects on:Prince and the Musicology TourThe New Power GenerationThe Rainbow ChildrenBerklee College of MusicLive music vs technologyPerforming with purposeCreating "A Song For Jia"A deeply personal conversation with one of the most beloved drummers of his generation.Originally broadcast in December 2004.Hosted by Joe Kelley.
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Minneapolis Funk All-Stars feat. St. Paul Peterson | Keepin' The Funk Alive
3d ago00:53:42Tap to summarizeFor more than four decades, Joe Kelley has interviewed the musicians behind some of the most influential music ever created. In this special roundtable edition of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, six legendary members of the Minneapolis music community come together to celebrate the legacy, history, and future of the Minneapolis Sound.Joining Joe are St. Paul Peterson, Jerome Benton, Dr. Fink, Elisa Fiorillo, Kirk Johnson, and Jason Peterson DeLaire.Together, they share stories from the road, memories of performing with Prince, reflections on the Minneapolis music scene, favorite cities to play, the enduring influence of the Twin Cities sound, and the mission of the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars to keep that legacy alive for future generations. The group represents artists who helped shape the Minneapolis Sound through their work with Prince, The Time, The Family, the New Power Generation, and countless legendary recordings and tours. In This Episode• The origins and mission of the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Life on the road with Prince and related projects • Favorite cities and audiences around the world • Memories of Jellybean Johnson and the Minneapolis music family • Stories from Paisley Park and Purple Rain-era musicians • The lasting impact of the Minneapolis Sound • Keeping funk, soul, and live musicianship aliveWhether you're a Prince fan, a student of music history, or simply love hearing great stories from legendary musicians, this conversation offers a rare gathering of artists who lived and helped create one of music's most influential scenes.Featured Guests• St. Paul Peterson – The Time, The Family, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Dr. Fink – Prince & The Revolution, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Kirk Johnson – Prince & The New Power Generation, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Elisa Fiorillo – Prince & The New Power Generation, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Jerome Benton – The Time, The Family, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Jason Peterson DeLaire – Minneapolis Funk All-Stars
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Kenny "Rollo" Davis From Addiction To Purpose
5d ago00:58:02Tap to summarizeAuthor, roller skating legend, community leader, and creator of the Rollo Shuffle, Kenny "Rollo" Davis joins Joe Kelley to discuss growing up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the influence of Challenger astronaut Ronald McNair, overcoming addiction, recovery, family, faith, and the inspiring journey detailed in his book Life At The End Of The Tunnel.
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James Brown Tribute (2007 Archive) | Alan Leeds Remembers the Godfather of Soul
1w ago00:30:22Tap to summarizeRecorded just days after the passing of James Brown in January 2007, legendary tour manager Alan Leeds joined Joe Kelley for an emotional tribute to the Godfather of Soul.Leeds shares memories from his years working alongside James Brown, discusses Brown’s final days, reflects on his influence on Prince and funk music, and tells remarkable behind-the-scenes stories from music history.A powerful archive conversation from the historic Upper Room with Joe Kelley radio show.
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Son Of Pearl on Prince, Funk & The Minneapolis Sound
2w ago00:43:16Tap to summarizeSon Of Pearl joins Joe Kelley to discuss the influence of Prince, the Minneapolis Sound, funk musicianship, groove, creativity, and carving out an authentic musical identity. From eclectic funk roots to modern artistry, this conversation explores the lasting impact of one of music’s most influential eras.Hosted by Joe Kelley — on air since 1982, long before podcasts existed.#Prince #SonOfPearl #MinneapolisSound #FunkMusic #MusiciansReveal
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Jann Klose on Future Trap, Prince & The Music Industry
2w ago00:45:05Tap to summarizeSinger-songwriter and global recording artist Jann Klose joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss his upcoming album Future Trap, songwriting, Broadway, Prince, vinyl culture, and the evolving music industry.In this wide-ranging conversation, Jann reflects on growing up between Germany, Kenya, South Africa, and the United States before building his career in New York City. He also shares stories about performing in The Who’s Tommy and Jesus Christ Superstar, Questlove’s legendary Prince DJ sets, AI in music, and why originality still matters in modern artistry.A thoughtful conversation about creativity, musicianship, and surviving today’s music landscape.
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Dr. Fink of Prince & The Revolution | 2001 Interview
2w ago00:32:22Tap to summarizeFrom the Musicians Reveal vault: a rare 2001 conversation with Dr. Fink of Prince & The Revolution.Long before podcasts existed, Joe Kelley was interviewing the artists, musicians, and creative minds behind some of music’s most legendary recordings and performances.In this radio archive interview, Dr. Fink reflects on music, performance, creativity, and his experiences during one of the most influential eras in modern music history.On air since 1982.#drfink #prince #therevolution #funk #musiciansreveal
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Amani Roberts on the Rise, Fall & Legacy of Legendary R&B Groups
2w ago00:40:19Tap to summarizeAuthor, DJ, educator, and music historian Amani Roberts joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an in-depth conversation about the power, passion, and lasting impact of legendary R&B groups.Amani discusses his new book The Quiet Storm: A Historical & Cultural Analysis of the Power, Passion & Pain of R&B Groups, exploring the stories behind iconic acts including New Edition, The Isley Brothers, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, Parliament Funkadelic, Atlantic Starr, Tony! Toni! Toné!, The Commodores, Sly & The Family Stone, and many more.The conversation also dives into:The rise and decline of R&B groupsThe Telecommunications Act of 1996Quiet Storm radio historyMusic industry politicsRecord deals and artist educationDJ culture and classic soul musicLegendary concerts and live performancesThe evolution of modern R&BAmani also reflects on growing up in the DMV music scene, discovering New Edition, the influence of Bell Biv DeVoe, and why classic R&B groups still shape music today.🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley has been on air since 1982 — long before podcasts existed — featuring legendary funk, R&B, soul, and Prince-associated artists.
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Elisa Fiorillo of Prince’s NPG & Tyler Reese | Dease & Reese Radio Archive
3w ago00:37:16Tap to summarizeIn this rare 2014 radio archive interview, Elisa Fiorillo of Prince & The NPG joins Joe Kelley alongside guitarist Tyler Reese to discuss their Dease & Reese project Life In 20, working with Prince, touring, songwriting, Berklee College of Music, Pat Metheny, and balancing life on and off the stage.Elisa shares stories about rehearsing with Prince, performing with Shelby J and Liv Warfield, and the pressures of being part of the NPG, while Tyler discusses his musical journey and guitar influences.Originally aired on Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley.
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Abby Franklin on Prince, Michael Jackson, Musicology & Life Behind the Scenes
4w ago01:05:15Tap to summarizeOn air since 1982. Interviewing artists for decades—long before podcasts existed.Legendary wardrobe stylist Abby Franklin joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to share unforgettable stories from inside the worlds of Prince, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Drake, Katy Perry, and more.Abby reflects on working alongside Prince for over a decade—from Musicology and One Nite Alone to the legendary 21 Nights in London residency and Welcome 2 America.She shares rare behind-the-scenes stories about:Meeting Prince for the first timeCreating last-minute wardrobe looks under pressurePrince’s creative genius and perfectionismMusicology tour memoriesDressing room culture backstageMichael Jackson rehearsals for This Is ItThe reality of touring lifePaisley Park memories and the vaultOne of the most revealing and entertaining conversations yet on Musicians Reveal.🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley On air since 1982.
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